City of Gig Harbor awarded grants, future toll relief and will see Hwy 16 traffic study

Gig Harbor, Wash. July 10th, 2015 – The City of Gig Harbor will see park and highway activity as part of the recently passed 2015-17 Washington State Capital Budget in Olympia.

Ancich Waterfront Park Grants Included in the budget are two grants directing funding to Ancich Waterfront Park which is currently awaiting development. A capital budget grant in the amount of $662k has been received for Ancich Netshed restoration work. In addition, a $500k grant from the Recreation and Conservation Office’s Aquatic Lands Enhancement Grant has been received for upland work at the property, located at 3658 Harborview Drive.

The City of Gig Harbor would like to thank Senator Jan Angel and State Representatives Michelle Caldier and Jesse Young for their support. On March 21st, Mayor Jill Guernsey toured the Ancich Park with the State Representatives to illustrate the imminent need for improvements to the Ancich Netshed and adjoining pier. This funding will provide the immediate attention needed for repairs to the endangered condition of the netshed and pier. The Ancich Netshed is one of the few remaining original netsheds in the harbor and the preservation is necessary to enhance Gig Harbor’s downtown waterfront for residents and visitors.

Corridor Congestion Study

The Transportation Revenue Package adopted by the House and Senate included a high priority project with future impact for the City of Gig Harbor and area residents. A Corridor Congestion Relief Study for State Route 16 between the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and State Route 302 has been granted in the amount of $3 M. The study is aimed at developing a vision for SR16 to handle additional capacity in order to improve the corridor to handle increasing traffic. The package also included deferring sales taxed owed on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in an effort to keep toll rates lower in future years. The City of Gig Harbor would like to thank Senator Jan Angel for spearheading these projects.

For several months, the City has been actively working with a group of community leaders as part of the West Sound Alliance, a partnership among 19 jurisdictions and economic development organizations in Mason, Pierce and Kitsap counties that supports transportation improvements in the west sound region.

To learn about these grants and other future developments, please contact City Administrator Ron Williams at (253) 851-6127.